c. 2004 Religion News Service

(UNDATED) In recent years, Islam has appeared in more learning standards across the country, even though many teachers are ill-equipped to confidently address the world’s second-largest religion and its holiest month, Ramadan.

Despite their importance, teachers are not often required to study world religions in college or during the accreditation process, education experts say.

“There’s a gap there,” said Karima Alavi, director of the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute in Abiquiu, N.M. “Teachers are being expected to teach something they’ve never studied.”

Many teachers are turning to the Internet for training and lesson plans on Islam and important aspects of the religion, such as Ramadan. Key sites include:

Council on Islamic Education (http://www.cie.org)

In addition to conducting teacher training workshops, the CIE offers a “teacher’s pack” of materials, seven publications including lesson plans and other resources. The 2004 edition of “Muslim Holidays” is also available for purchase.

Dar al Islam Teachers Institute (http://www.daralislam.org/programs/reach/ti.php)

Over the past decade, more than 300 teachers have attended the two-week summer institute, which is free of charge, in Abiquiu, N.M. The program is taught in an Islamic school, where participants can observe Muslim life as they learn.

The Islam Project (http://www.theislamproject.org/education/education.htm)

The Islam Project has produced PBS documentaries about the life of the prophet Muhammad and other aspects of Muslim belief and life. Lesson plans include the video “American Muslim Teens Talk,” which addresses issues like stereotypes and Muslim garb.

MO/PH END RNS